Why not threaten the ODF proponents to potentially torture an existing international standard for document formats, ISO 26300:2006? Would that make the Microsoft's epigonal format OOXML more "shiny and fun" and thus attractive for ISO standardization?

As I commented recently, I expect that ODF 1.2 will get much more attention from the National Standards Bodies than the original version did. I also expect ODF will benefit from much of the learning everyone's had as DIS29500 has progressed.

It is a scary proposition. I don’t think people understand how much Microsoft now owns JTC1 in a very real and tangible way. Absolutely owns.
Consider that it requires 2/3 approval of JTC1 P members to approve a standard. Microsoft, by various means, has managed to achieve very close to that number. They are only 5 short. If they achieve that 2/3 then they can ram through whatever standards they want.

But that scary part is that with even 1/3 of P-members, a number they clearly outright own, they can block anyone else’s standard. It probably hasn’t sunk into your realization yet,but Microsoft can essentially already erected toll bridge in ISO and demand payment or other concessions from anyone who wants to work with International Standards. If ISO rules get in the way, Microsoft can change them. If ISO administrators get in the way — no worry. With this number of NB’s Microsoft can control directives, staffing, paychecks, etc.They’ve raised an army. You don’t think they will use it?

OpenXML has progressed from being developed in a closed environment to being handed over to approximately 70% of the world's population for future development so I am missing the "not open" aspect of OpenXML. If anything, the improvements made to OpenXML during that process make it a poster child for the open standards development process.

Consider that it requires 2/3 approval of JTC1 P members to approve a standard. Microsoft, by various means, has managed to achieve very close to that number. They are only 5 short.

Yet Microsoft could still not get OOXML through the fast-track process, which would be a pretty good indication of how broken this proposed specification is. Despite this, DIS29500 will no doubt be accepted as by the ISO; a pretty clear message that Microsoft may lose the battle but they won't lose the war.